How long is your password? If it’s eight characters or less, an everyday hacker could compromise it in a single workday.
Sadly, weak passwords are only one of the problems that employees are prone to in the cybersecurity industry. Every year, we hear story upon story about companies falling victim to phishing scams or ransom attacks. A little digital education goes a long way when securing a company.
Good digital hygiene starts with your workers. In this guide, we provide a few essential cybersecurity tips for employees.
Use Strong Passwords
We discussed how an eight-character password is too weak, even for a personal computer. So what constitutes a strong password in small business cyber security?
First, make your password long, at least 12 characters in length. Avoid using common words or easy-to-remember phrases, especially those that contain personal information. Hackers can guess passwords based on personal information taken from your social media.
Use a password generator, and store your passwords in a password manager. This is an encrypted vault that requires you only to know one master password to access it. It’s a great business management tool all employees benefit from.
Never Answer Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are those that hackers use to trick employees into giving away sensitive information, whether passwords or otherwise. They often look official and create a sense of false urgency to respond.
Teach employees to never reply to a questionable email with sensitive information, even if it appears to be from an administrator of some kind. Instead, they should report these emails to their managed IT services to double-check.
Update All Software ASAP
Software updates aren’t just there to add nifty new features, such as the recent iOS 17 upgrade. They include vital security patches that seal off vulnerabilities in your system.
Waiting too long to update a system creates an open door for hackers. Employees must update their systems as soon as is reasonably possible. The same goes for software applications, especially those critical to running a business like productivity software.
Keep Physical Security in Mind
Humans are often the weak link in the chain that makes computers vulnerable. The computer may work just fine, but negligent behavior from a lazy employee blows it wide open.
Teach employees proper physical security practices, such as locking their computers before stepping away from their desks. They shouldn’t share passwords or leave important USB drives where someone could snatch them. They should be wary of on-site security, such as someone trying to tailgate them when they tap their badge at the door.
Find More Cyber Security Tips for Employees
All it takes is a handful of cyber security tips for employees to avoid most problems. Tell your employees to strengthen their passwords, be skeptical of phishing emails, and never ignore update notifications. In addition, they should also take care of their physical security.
At Pegasus Technologies in Kennett Square, PA, we match our bespoke IT solutions to your company. Our team provides unparalleled managed IT solutions and more. Schedule an appointment today to see what we can do for you.
